Ysl Black Opium

Since its launch in 2014, Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium has transitioned from a controversial successor to a legendary classic in its own right. It was a bold move for the house of YSL to revisit the 'Opium' name, which originally debuted in 1977 as a spicy, oriental powerhouse. Black Opium took that heritage and flipped it on its head, introducing a high-octane dose of black coffee that had never been seen in mainstream luxury perfumery quite like this. Today, Black Opium stands as one of the most recognizable bottles on any vanity. Its glittery, dark aesthetic and intoxicating scent profile have made it a staple for evening wear and special occasions. In this review, we break down why this fragrance remains a top seller nearly a decade after its release and how it performs in the modern fragrance landscape.